Kukla's Korner Hockey

I have not disappeared. So don't fret my loyal readers. Even if there is only maybe a dozen of you - I do cherish you all.

This Sunday I am running my first half marathon. I will be running to Canada and back across the boarder.

Two years ago would you have believed that I was pretty close to 300 pounds? I some times don't even believe it. I was never the skinny girl (and probably never will be lets be honest); however after high school my activity dropped, then I got married and then had two kids. I became less active and with two little kids a year and four days a part life was hectic. I ate more quick and easy to grab foods. Ate out more, ate more junk just because it was easy.

I lived in the Washington D.C. metro area and would take the kids on walks. Looking back they were probably not nearly long enough, just enough for me to say "well I do walk everyday," and by everyday I meant when I felt like it and when the weather was what I wanted it to be.

Life goes on. When you're young you look at the plus size clothes and say to yourself that will never be you. If you are lucky hopefully it never is, but I slowly grew to a size I was ashamed of.

Two years ago I decided it was long past time I do something about it.

In the first year I lost over 80 pounds and I am now under 200.

Last fall after losing the majority of the weight I decided to start running and did a lap in the neighborhood and then signed up for some 5K's, a 5.7 Mile and then got my bright idea of doing a half marathon.

D day is here.

This Sunday I am running the Detroit Marathon (International Half) and thought I would do a fundraiser to go with it. I have been a volunteer and advocate for the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) since 2009 and thought this would be a decent way to get them some notice. Thus I started a Crowdrise page for ASHA.

I set a lofty goal which I am no where near meeting but I am at least over $500 raised.

If you have never heard of ASHA they are a separate hockey entity from USA Hockey that brings the sport we all love (lets face it if you are reading Kuklas Korner you love hockey) to those with developmental and physical disabilities. We all know hockey is much more than a game, it is a lifestyle for so many and for these athletes it teaches them skills they use on and off the ice. Gives someone confidence that may have otherwise seen their confidence waiver.

Please understand why I am not writing as much right now. I will get back to my Morning After Skate pieces and more, but right now I am trying to help those athletes that do not ask for millions in return to play a game - they just want the chance to play.